• The number of publications and co-citations on TANK binding kinase 1 (TBK1) has shown an upward trend over the past decade, indicating growing research interest.
• Key research hotspots include innate immunity, the cGAS-STING pathway, NF-κB signaling, inflammation, optineurin, and cancer, highlighting TBK1's role in immune regulation and tumor biology.
• The most prolific authors and institutions are concentrated in China, with the Chinese Academy of Sciences and several universities leading in output, but collaboration among researchers and institutions remains limited.
• TBK1 exhibits significant potential in autoimmune diseases and tumor prevention, suggesting that future research should focus on its mechanisms and therapeutic applications.